Multi-Site Project Strengthens Defense Manufacturing, Shipbuilding and Regional Workforce Growth
NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 2026) — Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), is expanding its Southeast Louisiana footprint with a $5.8 million, multi-site investment aimed at growing advanced military vehicle and naval systems manufacturing operations.
The investment spans multiple facilities across St. Tammany and Orleans parishes and is expected to create 133 direct new jobs, retain 761 existing positions, and generate an estimated 223 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential employment impact to nearly 400 new jobs across the region.
Advancing Louisiana’s Defense Manufacturing Leadership
Textron Systems’ expansion reinforces Louisiana’s position as a key player in the U.S. defense industrial base, supporting production for critical military and allied programs. The company, which has operated in Southeast Louisiana since 1980, specializes in advanced military systems, marine craft, and aerospace technologies.
“America’s military depends on strong domestic manufacturing, and Louisiana is building the equipment our service members and allies rely on,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “This investment strengthens our national defense while reinforcing Louisiana’s role in supporting critical military operations.”
Strategic Growth Across Multiple Sites
The expansion will be executed in phases through 2027, beginning with upgrades at the company’s Gause Boulevard facility in 2026, followed by additional investments at its Stone Road site and continued expansion at its New Orleans shipyard.
In St. Tammany Parish, Textron Systems will invest the full $5.8 million across two facilities in Slidell, creating 111 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $95,600—approximately 61% above the parish average wage.
- Gause Boulevard Facility: A $5.3 million investment supporting facility improvements and workforce expansion, with construction beginning in mid-2026 and completion expected in 2027.
- Stone Road Facility: A $500,000 investment focused on engineering and development of next-generation armored vehicle programs, including the ARV and XM30.
Local leaders highlighted the project’s economic impact and its role in positioning the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing and defense innovation.
Shipbuilding Expansion in New Orleans
In Orleans Parish, Textron Systems will expand operations at its New Orleans East shipyard, where it designs and manufactures the U.S. Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector.
This phase of the project is expected to create 22 direct new jobs, with average salaries exceeding the parish average, and generate an additional 26 indirect jobs. The expansion will support continued production of critical naval systems and enhance the facility’s long-term capabilities.
State Support and Workforce Development
To secure the expansion, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) offered a competitive incentives package, including:
- Workforce development support through LED FastStart
- A $600,000 performance-based grant for equipment and infrastructure
- Participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP)
- Eligibility for the High Impact Jobs Program
“By layering innovation onto our existing strengths in manufacturing and shipbuilding, this investment strengthens Louisiana’s impact on critical defense programs and positions our workforce for long-term growth,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois.
Driving Long-Term Regional Competitiveness
The project underscores the strength of Southeast Louisiana’s industrial ecosystem, supported by collaboration between state, regional, and local partners, including Greater New Orleans, Inc. and St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation.
“From next-generation military vehicles to naval shipbuilding, these projects enhance the region’s role in supporting national defense while driving job growth and investment,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
With phased construction and operational continuity planned through 2027, Textron Systems’ investment positions Southeast Louisiana for sustained growth in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation.
About Textron Systems Corporation
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed systems, defense technologies, and advanced manufacturing solutions across air, land, and sea domains.
About Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
LED drives capital investment, job creation, and economic opportunity across Louisiana, supporting businesses and communities statewide.
